Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks). During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.

Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.

Enhancing smile and facial tissues.

Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

Testimonials

For almost 7 weeks, my newborn and I suffered. She screamed when I put her to my breast. She cried. She punched. She kicked. In turn, I cried. She dreaded every feed and I dreaded every feed. I had this vision we would be creating an impenetrable bond and it would bring us so much closer. In turn, I felt like she almost hated me. I then began pumping and she still screamed after a feed. After asking multiple pediatricians what the problem was---in which they gave me these answers: "It's colic." "It's just her temperament." "It's reflux." "She will grow out of it." I had had enough. So I researched online and found Dr.Tanios-Rafla. I was not going to wait for her to "grow out of it." Something was terribly wrong and I wanted my baby to not be in so much pain all the time.

Dr. Tanios-Rafla diagnosed my baby with "severe lip and tongue tie" within 30 seconds. I cried. She was the most maternal, compassionate doctor whom I have ever met. She held my baby. Hugged her. Hugged me --and then assured me that from here forward, "all is going to be ok."

The procedure is quick and Dr. Tanios-Rafla's commitment to making sure that the parents know how to complete the exercises is second to none. She asks you to come back for follow-ups, when most doctors would collect your money and forget about your baby. She doesn't. She wants you and baby to be happy and she commits to ensure that happens. Her instructions are clear and she even has a video in case you forget. She also will take your call--even if it's just to vent emotionally as a mom.

This procedure changed our lives -but more importantly, Dr. Tanios-Rafla changed our life. I have a happy baby. A completely new one. And I get teary-eyed that no one told me sooner--until I met Dr Tanios-Rafla.

Do yourself a favor and go see her.

Katie F.

We took our son to see Dr. Rafla when he was 5 weeks old. I had such a difficult time breastfeeding and thought it was normal to be in so much pain. Most people agreed it was including doctors, midwives and the hospital LC (lactation consultant). Friends told me it was okay if I couldn't breastfeed. Many are unable to. But breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of a child's health and development and significantly impacts the health of their entire life!

Sure enough, after having an LC come to our house, we found out that our son had a tongue and lip tie. The LC referred us to Dr. Rafla, and within a few weeks the difference was night and day!

Dr. Rafla, made us comfortable with the procedure. She was very confident and reassuring. And she was well organized and attentive. It is very obvious that she is an expert in her field. The exercises were key to maintaining the success of the procedure. Dr. Rafla is adamant about them! But not many doctors are or even tell you about they're needed.

Bottom line - If you feel that breastfeeding is very painful and your baby isn't satisfied afterward and/or isn't growing as they should, DON'T GIVE UP! GO TO DR. RAFLA FOR AN EVALUATION!! If your child has a tongue or lip tie, Dr. Rafla can fix it!
Highly recommend! Can you tell?